Published - February 1 Last Updated: February 1, 2026
On day three, my son's face exploded with tiny red bumps. His chest
looked rash. His scalp had crusty yellow patches. I called the pediatrician,
convinced he was allergic to everything. "That's completely normal,"
she said. Normal?! Here's what qualifies as "normal" newborn skin
conditions—and what doesn't.
Newborn skin conditions are incredibly common and almost
always harmless. If your baby's skin looks imperfect, bumpy, blotchy, or rash,
you're probably looking at completely normal newborn skin. This guide explains
what to expect, what's harmless, and when to worry. Skin concerns are just one
part of newborn health—explore our complete newborn health guide for feeding, sleep,
and development.
Normal Newborn Skin Characteristics
Newborn skin doesn't look like baby lotion commercials. It's immature,
sensitive, and constantly changing.
What to Expect in the First Days
Right after delivery, you'll notice vernix, lanugo, and other
features—here's what newborns look like at birth.
Typical newborn skin
- Wrinkled and
loose (especially if overdue)
- Red or pink
colour (darkens over days/weeks)
- Transparent in
places (you can see veins)
- Blotchy or
mottled
- Covered in
white, waxy vernix
- Fine hair
(lanugo) on shoulders, back, face
Colour variations
- Hands and feet
may be blue (acrocyanosis)
- The face may be red
or purple from delivery
- Bruising or
swelling from birth
- Yellow tinge
after 24-48 hours (mild jaundice)
All of these are normal newborn skin conditions that change
rapidly in the first weeks.
Vernix and Lanugo
Vernix caseosa (the white, creamy coating):
- Protects skin
in the womb
- Has
antimicrobial properties
- Moisturizes
skin
- Helps regulate
temperature
- Don't wash it
off—let it absorb naturally over 1-2 days
Lanugo (fine hair)
- More common in
premature babies
- Covers
shoulders, back, forehead, ears
- Usually sheds
within the first weeks
- Completely
harmless
- No treatment
needed
Peeling and Dry Skin
Peeling skin in the first 1-2 weeks is completely normal, especially:
- On hands and
feet
- In babies born
after 40 weeks
- In all babies, transitioning from amniotic fluid to air
Treatment
- Usually none
needed
- Can apply
fragrance-free moisturizer if severe
- Avoid
over-bathing (dries skin more)
- Use gentle,
unscented products only
Common Harmless Rashes
Most rashes in the first month are benign newborn skin conditions
that resolve without treatment.
Erythema Toxicum (Toxic Erythema)
One of the most common newborn skin conditions (affects 50% of
babies).
Appearance
- Red blotches
with small white or yellow bumps in the center
- Looks like flea
bites or hives
- Appears on
face, chest, back, arms, legs
- Constantly
moving to new areas
- Appears days
2-5, resolves within 2 weeks
Cause - Unknown (possibly immune system adjustment)
Treatment - None needed. Completely harmless despite the scary name.
When to worry - If it appears with fever (call the doctor).
Milia (White Bumps)
Tiny white or yellow bumps on the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead.
What they are
- Clogged pores
filled with keratin
- Looks like tiny
whiteheads
- Affects 40-50%
of newborns
- Appear at birth
orthe first few weeks
Treatment
- Never squeeze
or pop them—risks infection and scarring
- No creams or
ointments needed
- Resolve on
their own within weeks to months
- Don't scrub or
pick at them
Prevention - None. Completely normal developmental process.
Baby Acne (Neonatal Acne)
Small red bumps or pustules on the face usually appear around 2-4
weeks.
Characteristics -
- Affects 20% of
newborns
- Appears on
cheeks, forehead, nose, chin
- Peaks around
3-4 weeks of age
- Resolves by 3-4
months without scarring
Cause - Maternal hormones are still circulating in the baby's system, stimulating oil
glands.
Treatment
- None needed—it's
self-resolving
- Keep skin clean
with water only
- Pat dry gently
- Don't use acne
medications or lotions
- Never pinch or
squeeze
Not caused by - Your breastmilk, your diet, or anything you're doing wrong.
Heat Rash (Miliaria)
Tiny red bumps or small blisters in areas where the baby sweats.
Common locations
- Neck folds
- Diaper area
- Armpits
- Where clothing
is tight
Cause - Immature sweat glands get blocked, trapping sweat under the skin.
Treatment
- Keep baby cool
(not overheated)
- Dress in light
layers
- Use a cool, damp
cloth on affected areas
- Keep skin dry
- Avoid heavy
lotions or ointments
Prevention - Dress the baby appropriately for the temperature (one layer more than you).
Birthmarks and Pigmentation
Many babies are born with marks or develop them in the first weeks. Most are
permanent but harmless newborn skin conditions.
Mongolian Spots
Blue-gray patches that look like bruises.
Characteristics
- Appear on the lower
back, buttocks, shoulders, and legs
- Very common in
babies with darker skin tones (90% of Asian, African, Native American
babies)
- Present at
birth
- Looks like
bruises but don't hurt
- Not caused by
trauma
Prognosis
- Fade
significantly by school age (5-6 years)
- Some never
completely disappear
- Completely
harmless
- No treatment
needed or available
Important - Document at pediatrician visits to distinguish from actual bruising.
Salmon Patches (Stork Bites)
Pink or red patches on the face or neck.
Common locations
- Back of neck
("stork bite")
- Eyelids
("angel kisses")
- Forehead
- Between eyes
Characteristics
- Affects 30-50%
of babies
- Flat, irregular
shape
- Become darker
when the baby cries
- Caused by
dilated blood vessels
Prognosis
- Facial marks
usually fade by age 1-2
- Neck marks are often permanent but hidden by hair
- Harmless
- No treatment
needed
Strawberry Hemangiomas
Bright red, raised bumps appear in the first weeks.
Characteristics
- Not usually
present at birth (appears weeks 1-4)
- Start small,
grow rapidly for 6-12 months
- Then slowly
shrink over the years
- Bright red,
raised, feels firm
- Can appear
anywhere onthe body
Prognosis
- 50% disappear
by age 5
- 90% disappear
by age 9
- Usually leave
no trace
- Rarely need
treatment unless on the eye, mouth, or airway
When to call doctor - If near eye (can affect vision), growing very rapidly,
or bleeding/ulcerating.
Café-au-Lait Spots
Light brown patches, the colour of coffee with milk.
Characteristics
- Flat, oval or
irregular shape
- Smooth edges
- Present at
birth or appear in the early months
- 1-3 spots are common in all babies
When to monitor: Six or more spots larger than 5mm may indicate a genetic
condition (neurofibromatosis). Discuss with pediatrician.
Port Wine Stains
Dark red or purple flat marks present at birth.
Characteristics
- Caused by
abnormal blood vessels in the skin
- Grow with child
(don't fade)
- Can darken with
age
- Can become
thicker/bumpier over time
Treatment
- Laser treatment
can lighten (cosmetic choice)
- Start treatment
early for the best results
When to evaluate - Port wine stains on the face near the eye may need evaluation
for other conditions (Sturge-Weber syndrome).
Conditions That Need Treatment
Some newborn skin conditions require intervention, though they're
not emergencies.
Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)
Thick, yellow, greasy scales on scalp.
Characteristics
- Appears weeks
2-12
- Affects 70% of
babies
- Sometimes
extends to eyebrows, ears, and nose folds
- Not itchy or
painful
- Not caused by
poor hygiene
Treatment
1. Massage baby oil or coconut oil onto the scalp
2. Let sit 15 minutes to soften scales
3. Gently brush with a soft baby brush to loosen
4. Shampoo to remove oil and scales
5. Repeat 2-3 times weekly until clear
Don't -
- Pick or scratch
scales (risks infection)
- Use medicated
shampoos without a doctor's approval
- Over-wash (can
worsen it)
When to call the doctor - If red, oozing, spreading to the face/body, or not
improving with home treatment.
Baby Eczema
Dry, itchy, red patches usually on cheeks, scalp, arms, and legs.
Characteristics
- Typically
appears after 3 months (rare in newborns)
- Dry, scaly,
sometimes weepy patches
- Very itchy
- Often runs in
families with asthma/allergies
Treatment
- Frequent
moisturizing (thick, fragrance-free)
- Short, lukewarm
baths
- Pat dry (don't
rub)
- Identify and
avoid triggers
- Prescription
creams for severe
Prevention
- Use
fragrance-free products
- Avoid
overwashing
- Keep nails
short (to prevent scratching damage)
Diaper Rash
Red, irritated skin in the diaper area.
Diaper rash is one of the most common skin issues—here's preventing and treating diaper rash effectively.
Causes
- Prolonged
contact with a wet diaper
- Friction from
diapers
- New foods
(older babies)
- Yeast infection
(bright red with satellite spots)
Treatment
- Change diapers
frequently
- Clean gently
with water (avoid wipes temporarily)
- Air-dry
completely before a new diaper
- Use thick
barrier cream (zinc oxide)
- Allow
diaper-free time
When to call the doctor
- Rash spreads
beyond the diaper area
- Has blisters or
pustules
- Not improving
after 3 days of treatment
- Baby has a fever
Thrush (Yeast Infection)
White patches inside the mouth that don't wipe away.
Characteristics
- Looks like milk
residue, but doesn't wipe off
- On tongue,
inner cheeks, gums, roof ofthe mouth
- May cause
fussiness during feeding
- Can spread to the diaper area (bright red rash with spots)
Treatment:
- Antifungal
medication (prescription)
- Treat for the full
course, even if it looks better
- Sterilize
pacifiers and bottle nipples daily
- If
breastfeeding, treat the mother's nipples too
Skin Colour Changes
Certain colour changes in newborn skin conditions need monitoring.
Jaundice (Yellow Skin)
Yellow tinge to skin and whites of eyes.
Yellow skin after the first few days indicates jaundice in newborns, which requires
monitoring.
Timeline
- Appears day 2-3
typically
- Peaks day 3-5
- Resolves by 2
weeks
When to worry
- Appears in
first 24 hours (call immediately)
- Severe
yellowing (including legs and feet)
- Jaundice after
2 weeks
- With lethargy,
poor feeding, and fever
Treatment
- Frequent
feeding (clears bilirubin)
- Phototherapy
for high levels
- Medical
evaluation to rule out other causes
Acrocyanosis (Blue Hands/Feet)
Blue or purple hands and feet, while the rest of the body is pink.
Why does it happen?
- Immature
circulation
- Blood
prioritizes vital organs
- Completely
normal first days/weeks
- More noticeable
when cold
Not concerning unless
- Lips or tongue
are blue
- The entire body is
blue
- Baby has
difficulty breathing
- Persists beyond the first weeks
Mottled Skin
Lacy, purple pattern on skin when cold.
Characteristics
- Appears when the baby is cold
- Resolves with
warming
- Due to immature
temperature regulation
- Completely
normal
When to worry - If present when the baby is warm, or if one-sided only.
When to Call the Doctor
Learn when skin issues need medical
attention versus when you can safely wait and watch.
Signs of Infection
Call the doctor for
- Increasing
redness, warmth, swelling
- Pus or oozing
- Red streaks
extending from the rash
- Fever over
100.4°F with any rash
- Foul smell
- Rash spreading
rapidly
Concerning Rashes
Call the doctor immediately for
- Petechiae (tiny
purple dots that don't blanch when pressed)
- Purpura (looks
like bruising)
- Blisters or
pustules (except mild baby acne)
- Hives appearing
suddenly
- Rash with
lethargy, poor feeding, or fever
Call 911 if
- Rash with
difficulty breathing
- Rash with
extreme lethargy
- Rapidly
spreading purple/red rash
- Signs of
allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing)
Allergic Reactions
Watch for
- Hives (raised,
red, itchy welts)
- Swelling of the face, lips, and tongue
- Difficulty
breathing or wheezing
- Vomiting with
rash
Common triggers
- New foods (if
started solids)
- Medications
- Laundry
detergent
- Lotions or
creams
- Environmental
allergens
Caring for Newborn Skin
Gentle care prevents many newborn skin conditions.
Bathing Frequency
Newborns don't need daily baths. 2-3 times weekly is enough.
Why less is more
- Frequent
bathing strips natural oils
- Dries delicate
skin
- Disrupts the skin
barrier
- Can worsen
eczema
When you do bathe your baby, follow our guide to bathing your newborn safely, including water
temperature and products.
Spot cleaning between baths
- Face daily with
warm water
- Diaper area
with each change
- Neck folds
(milk gets trapped)
- Behind ears
Keep the belly button area clean and dry during umbilical cord healing to prevent
infection.
Products to Use (and Avoid)
Safe for newborn skin
- Fragrance-free
baby wash (sparingly)
- Fragrance-free
moisturizer
- Unscented
laundry detergent
- Plain water for
face/body cleaning
- Zinc oxide
diaper cream
Avoid
- Products with
fragrance or dyes
- Adult products
(even "natural" ones)
- Essential oils
- Talcum powder
- Antibacterial
soaps
- Wipes with
alcohol
Read labels - Hypoallergenic" and "natural" don't guarantee
safety. Look for truly fragrance-free, dye-free products.
Sun Protection for Newborns
Under 6 months: Keep the baby out of direct sun entirely.
Why is there no sunscreen under 6 months
- Skin is too
thin and sensitive
- Absorbs
chemicals more readily
- Shade and
clothing are safer
Sun protection strategies
- Seek shade
always
- Use a stroller
canopy
- Dress in
lightweight, long-sleeved clothing
- Wide-brimmed
hat
- Plan outings
before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Emergency - If unavoidable sun exposure, mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium
dioxide) on small exposed areas only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is baby acne caused by my breastmilk or hormones?
A: Baby acne is caused by maternal hormones still in the baby's system after
birth, not your breastmilk or anything in your diet. These hormones stimulate the baby's oil glands, causing the breakout. It's completely normal, affects 20% of
babies, and doesn't require treatment. It will resolve on its own by 3-4
months.
Q: Should I pop the white bumps on my baby's nose?
A: Never! Those are milia—tiny clogged pores filled with keratin.
Squeezing them risks infection, scarring, and pain. They will clear on their
own within weeks to months. No creams or treatments help. Just leave them alone, and they'll resolve naturally.
Q: Will my baby's Mongolian spot go away?
A: Most Mongolian spots fade significantly by school age (5-6 years),
though some may never completely disappear. They're completely harmless, don't
require treatment, and are especially common in babies with darker skin tones.
There's no treatment available or needed. Just document them at pediatrician
visits to distinguish from bruising.
Q: How do I treat cradle cap?
A: Gently massage baby oil, coconut oil, or olive oil onto the scalp and
leave for 15 minutes to soften the scales. Use a soft baby brush to gently
loosen the scales, then shampoo to remove the oil and loosened scales. Repeat
2-3 times weekly until clear. Don't pick or scratch the scales—this can cause
infection.
Q: When is a rash an emergency?
A: Call 911 if rash appears with: fever over 100.4°F, extreme lethargy,
difficulty breathing, rapidly spreading purple/red colour, or signs of allergic
reaction (swelling, wheezing). Call your doctor the same day for: rashes that look
like bruising (petechiae/purpura), rapidly spreading rashes, blisters, or
rashes with pus or oozing.
Final Thoughts
Newborn skin conditions can be alarming, but most are completely harmless. Your baby's skin will go through many changes in the first months as it matures and adjusts to life outside the womb.
Remember:
- Imperfection skin is normal skin
- Most rashes resolve without treatment
- Your baby isn't allergic to everything
- Time heals most newborn skin issues
- Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, call
Want to know more about keeping your newborn clean and healthy? Read our
guide to bathing your newborn safely and effectively.
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not
a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician
about skin concerns.
Reference
American Academy of Pediatrics –
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/default.aspx
American Academy of Family Physicians- Newborn Skin: Part I. Common Rashes
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2008/0101/p47.html/
National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov) -Newborn Skin:
Common Skin Problems
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5574071/
